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Khobragade, Diplomats & Domestic Worker AbuseClaims of diplomats like Devyani Khobragade mistreating their domestic workers are nothing new. AALDEF's Anti-Trafficking Initiative Director Ivy Suriyopas spoke to the NYTimes about psychological threats used by diplomats against vulnerable domestic workers like Sangeeta Richard. Earlier this month, Khobragade was granted diplomatic immunity and left the U.S. after being indicted for visa fraud and making false statements. Read about how AALDEF's Anti-Trafficking Initiative overcame the defense of diplomatic immunity claimed by a former Philippine diplomat in 2009 in a civil lawsuit filed on behalf of Filipina domestic worker Marichu Baoanan here.

MLK Weekend Brings Voting Rights Victories2014's MLK weekend arrived with a host of voting rights victories! Last week, Congress members came together to introduce bipartisan legislation to help fix the Voting Rights Act. Following that, a state judge struck down Pennsylvania's discriminatory voter ID law. This week, the federal government rejected three states' (Arizona, Georgia, and Kansas) attempts to impose new barriers to voter registration. Here's to more voting rights victories in 2014!

Become Aware for Trafficking Awareness MonthJanuary is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. AALDEF's Ivy Suriyopas shares an important message in her new Guardian op-ed: "Under the guise of improving laws against trafficking, states around the country are pushing policies that raise penalties for prostitution. It's time we faced the facts: laws that focus on the commercial sex industry ignore the large number of victims who are trafficked into construction, agriculture, factories, restaurants, homes and the hospitality industry." Continue reading...

Kung Fu Theater Party on Feb. 12!We're having a theater party in New York City on Feb. 12 for Kung Fu, David Henry Hwang's new play about the life of martial arts icon Bruce Lee! Check out a rehearsal preview with Emmy-nominated Sonya Tayeh (of So You Think You Can Dance) leading cast members through an intense run of some of the show's high energy moves. Tickets for our theatre party are limited, so contact us at events@aaldef.org for more info.

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Founded in 1974, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) is a national organization that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. By combining litigation, advocacy, education, and organizing, AALDEF works with Asian American communities across the country to secure human rights for all.